State Psychiatric Facility On Central Coast Cutting Admissions Because Of Psychologist Shortage

Posted on Monday, October 28, 2013 2:38pm

A shortage of psychologists has forced a reduction in the number of patients being admitted to a state psychiatric hospital on the Central Coast.

The San Luis Obispo Telegram Tribune is reporting that Atascadero State Hospital closed one of its special units, because it has about ten less psychiatrists available to treat patients than it did a year ago.

Atascadero is one of five facilities in the state which houses people who have been committed by courts to psychiatric facilities.

Staffing shortages have been a problem at the facility in the past.

The hospital says it is actively trying to recruit psychiatrists to full vacancies.